If Heaven is anything like the last several days I’ve spent, with my family, I can’t wait. I wish I could bottle these times up, so I could drink them in anytime I wanted to.

We had family and friends over for burgers, brats, and hotdogs. Adam did a perfect job grilling them. We had some cucumbers soaked in vinegar, water, and onion. Jackie made some asparagus with lemon pepper and olive oil. We had macaroni salad. Jackie’s sister brought chips. I’m stuffed.

We played a few games of cornhole. Jackie, Justin, my sister, and her husband just left. They’re going bowling. We’re babysitting Pj. I held her, as we walked circles around the house. She fell asleep. Now Adam’s snuggling her.

Adam is working tomorrow, but nobody else has to get up for work or school. It has been such a fun weekend! I just bought a new pack and play crib, for the babies. We have Jackie’s niece and Pj over here so often, I decided I need to get one here. Adam was teasing me, because we donated our old one, right before we moved. I did not expect my sister to be having any babies, though! I just bought Pj a new bottle. She’s breastfed, so it can be a challenge to get her to drink from a bottle. I’d noticed, when we’ve had her, she might like a wider bottle neck. I spent about 45 minutes researching, and came up with one I thought she might like. It’s called “Comotomo”. We tried it, the other day, when my sister was here with her. She actually took right to it! I told Adam about how I’d got it for her. He’s always so fine with buying things for the kids and babies. He even turns the thermostat up, when the babies are here. If Jackie’s niece or Pj is here, he’ll quietly turn the heat up, for them.

I suppose I should get the kitchen cleaned up. I have a feeling we’re going to be ready for bed early, tonight. It’s bittersweet, having this weekend come to its end.

“Applebees on a date night…”

We all went out to eat, at Applebees. Then, we decided it would be fun to do some “booze cruising”. Jackie’s boyfriend, Justin, drove. We were all singing along to a 90’s Country music playlist. It was a blast! I had so much fun! I was very ready to come home, and go to bed, by the time we finally got home. I don’t usually drink too much. I love a beer, or two, but I overindulged, while we were driving around. I’m rallying, because we have Jackie, her boyfriend, Jackie’s sister and niece, my sister, her husband, baby Pj, Adam, I, our kids, plus 2 of our daughter’s friends going to be here to BBQ and play cornhole with us. It was awesome getting out, and hanging out with some of my favorite people, though! Time to go have another amazing day with some amazing family and friends ❤️

~The Trews (featuring Kid Rock)

My daughter played her guitar and sang this song, at a talent show. She dedicated it to her uncle, my brother. She performed it beautifully.

My brother called me, one summer day, 15 years ago. He announced that he had just signed papers to join the Navy. I wasn’t the most supportive sister, at first. He hadn’t said a word about considering joining the military. 9/11 felt like it had just happened. We were in such a scary time. We were so young! I pelted him with questions and comments. Still, I wrote him everyday, while he was in boot camp. I’ve waited and watched, as he’s arrived home from deployments. I prayed for him. We hung a yellow ribbon around a tree, out front, all 7 times he went on “tour”. I held my breath, every time an unfamiliar car pulled into my driveway, scared it was someone coming to tell me something terrible had happened, while he was deployed. Most of them were spent in dangerous places. He’s seen things I can’t imagine. He’s risen the ranks. His last couple deployments were as a Navy Seal. He shares the funny stories. Antidotes from his time at various training camps. Various outings in far away countries. I have no idea what he really even does, though. I know he isn’t the same person. I have serious respect for him, and for anyone who wears that uniform. I also know, it’s not for me. I don’t think my brain could handle the things he’s seen and done. I don’t want to be “hard”. I don’t want to look at the world through cynical glasses. I know he loves his family fiercely, but I also notice how difficult it is for him to just enjoy anything. There’s always this air of paranoia around him. He’s on guard. I see him constantly watching, waiting, for something bad to happen. Having said all that, I couldn’t possibly be more proud to have my brother, for a brother. There’s another song, “Soldier’s Eyes”, that makes me think of him, every time I hear it.

Enjoying this day, full of sunshine and children’s laughter, makes me appreciate what I have, even more. I don’t want to pretend like I know everything, when it comes to international conflict. I do know, I don’t want war. I don’t want to send more people to fight. I don’t want anyone to have to see the world through a “soldier’s eyes”. I am still able to find so much beauty, peace, and pure happiness. I just don’t want to take that from anyone else.

I was thinking about all of this, so I decided to write it down.

It’s only about 58 degrees, this afternoon, but we sat out on the deck and watched the kids play. They jumped on the trampoline. They played basketball. They played baseball. The ice cream truck went by. They chased after him, and got some overpriced ice cream bars. Mj’s best friend is here. Her friend, who lives across the street, is also here, playing with them. I hear so many little girl giggles. They’re sitting on the garage steps, singing songs together, now.

Jackie and I are going to get ready, to go out to eat with the guys, together. I ordered some pizza, for the kids and their babysitter to eat, while we’re gone.

It’s been a pretty quiet, easy day. Not much to report on here. My heart is happy. I love hearing the sounds of my kids laughing and playing. Our son joined them, for all their outdoor games, but he wasn’t up for doing karaoke with them! I wish I’d have thought to take pictures, while they all played.

We had a blast hanging out with my sister, last night. Jackie, my sister, and I sat in my kitchen. We talked and laughed until nearly 11:00pm. Such a simple thing is so much fun, when it’s with my people. Adam snuggled sleeping baby Pj, while we had our “girl time”.

I try to make sure I write on here, at least once a day. There’s not a whole lot to say, but this is what our day has been. In a little while, Jackie and I will start getting dressed and ready for our night out. We’ll probably grab a beer, put on some music, and get silly. I’m excited 😊

I have posted this recipe, once before. It’s super easy, and so yummy. Especially on a cold, dreary day!

My sister came by, this afternoon. I’m making some chicken soup, so I had that going, in my crockpot. I also baked some brownies. It’s cold, today! High was only 41 degrees. It’s a shock, after several days in the 60’s and 70’s. It’s supposed to be sunny and 60’s again, on Sunday. I got some burgers, hotdogs, and brats for Adam to grill, then.

Justin is coming over, later. My sister, her husband, and Pj are coming by, too. We’re going to play some cards and hang out.

Mj’s best friend is coming to stay with us, tomorrow. The kids are off school, for President’s Day, on Monday, so she can stay here for the long weekend. They’re excited 😊

We’re going out to eat, with Jackie and Justin, tomorrow evening. Our son has a baseball “banquet”, tomorrow afternoon, too. He sold tickets to the dinner, and the team will help set up, serve, and clean up. It looks like it’s going to be a full weekend, with lots of fun with family and friends!

When Adam is looking for something, I tease him to “take off your man eyes”, because it’s often right there. Looking for ketchup? Just move the mayonnaise out of the way, it’s literally right there. I’ve also suggested he remove his “man eyes”, when I’m trying to point out an issue that he isn’t seeming to comprehend.

Adam and I had a bit of back and forth about something that was starting to seriously bother me. Both of our kids are involved in various extracurricular activities. Our son just finished wrestling, and baseball season has started. Adam has been helping our son practice. He has been to his competitions. He will help drive him to or from practices, sometimes. All of those things are great, but my issue is that, he has never once made it to a single thing our daughter has done. I alone have attended her awards ceremonies, plays, concerts, talent show contest… It has always been understood that Daddy has to work, but he’s supporting them. I feel like with his son, he’s making an obvious effort to be there for his stuff. Adam was rearranging his work schedule, so that he could attend a parent meeting for baseball. I guess that was my “final straw”, because I finally said my peace. I told him, I know he’s your only son, but you have a daughter too. If he thinks she won’t notice that he never goes to her things, but is willing to pencil in the time to attend her brother’s things, he’s very sadly mistaken. I said, if he does want to start being there for more, he needs to also be there for some of Mj’s stuff. He cannot ignore the things that are important to her, just because they’re not as “interesting”, to him. I wasn’t bitchy. I didn’t insult him. I simply addressed this issue that I saw. He did seem to understand what I was saying, but I really hope he takes it to heart.

We are not “perfect”. Obviously, I screw up, sometimes. Adam does too, though. I will not hesitate to call him out on it, either. A lot depends on the way I address a problem. I’ve learned to approach him with a calm, level headed attitude. To refrain from yelling, cursing, or insulting him. Do I always do that? No. I did, this time. It was handled without any big argument. We were able to spend the rest of the evening happily. That’s the lesson, here. When I stick to an issue, and treat him with respect, while I’m addressing it, we can solve a problem together. I don’t want to insult him as a father. He’s amazing. I honestly don’t think he even realized he was doing this to our kids. I just feel it’s very important that he makes time for our daughter, too. I think they both deserve time, attention, and support from both of their parents.

Because of the crappy weather, yesterday, our son’s parent meeting, for baseball, was changed over to a zoom meeting, instead of in person. It worked out so that both Adam and I were able to be on that zoom call. Our daughter was also supposed to have gone to a choir event, but it was canceled. I would never suggest that Adam should avoid participating in our children’s activities. It’s great when it works out for him to attend. I swear, sometimes teachers and coaches can get on my nerves a little bit. The way they talk to us like they do the children they teach, ugh… I’m an adult. You do not need to do that! It’s good for Adam to get a taste of what I put up with! 😆 Oh well, everything worked out, last night.

It’s just crazy how much rain we are getting!! The neighbor’s yards already look significantly more flooded than when I took that last picture, just 20 minutes ago. I’m so glad I don’t have to be out in it, but I wish Adam didn’t either…

My sister had to take baby Pj to Vanderbilt Children’s, this morning. Pj has a hemangioma on the top of her head. They met with a doctor about that, who also did an EKG. Pj’s was abnormal. She also has higher blood pressure than she should. They did a repeat EKG today, and it’s still showing the same abnormalities. They are going back to see a pediatric cardiologist next Monday, now. I’m sure praying that it will be something that’s either curable, treatable, or best yet, going to go away without the need for any intervention at all. It’s sure been a whirlwind type of day.

“I believe kids outta stay kids as long as they can. Turn off the screen, go climb a tree, get dirt on their hands. I believe we gotta forgive and make amends, because nobody gets a second chance to make new old friends. I believe in working hard for what you’ve got. Even if it don’t add up to a hell of a lot. I believe most people are good and most mamas outta qualify for sainthood…I believe this world ain’t half as bad as it looks. I believe most people are good…”

~Luke Bryan

This is one of my favorite “Spring” songs. I love when the weather is nice, windows open, music playing. I think this song is just incredibly sweet, and it always makes me smile. I listened to it, yesterday evening, as I washed and sliced the potatoes I was making for supper. All of the neighborhood kids were playing outside. The dogs chased after balls being thrown for them. After I put the potatoes in the oven, I played basketball outside, with Mj, for awhile. It was one of the most amazing kind of evenings. The kind of memories, that even while I’m making them, I try so hard to soak up as much as I can, because it’s almost magic, the happiness and peace I felt. I think I could maybe just live in those sweet moments forever. These fleeting times, where everything in the world seems absolutely perfect.

My potatoes came out perfect. Adam’s chicken was delicious, too. 😊

It started storming, around 11:00, last night. I woke up to loud thunder, a few times. There are some tornado warnings, in counties around us. We’ve been in a tornado watch, since last night. The kids school was canceled today, as a precaution. So, I’ve got my kiddos home with me. I’ve got windows open, but it’s kind of stuffy in here, with the humidity. Our front grass has really greened up! I’ve seen lots of buds on trees, and flowers blooming. My mother in law told me there was 4-8 INCHES of snow forecasted, where she lives. Yuck.

I think the kids and I are going to play a board game. I try to entertain them, without electronics, for part of the day, at least. Since we can’t go outside, I’m coming up with fun inside ideas. I have journals for them. We usually do them during summer, when they’re out of school. I give them a new journal prompt, everyday, and they write and draw about it. I might get those out, too. I wasn’t planning on them being home for lunch, either, so I need to figure out what to make for them.

I suppose I’ll turn on some music, and get started with my day. I haven’t done much of anything, yet. Drank like 3 cups of coffee, made cinnamon rolls for breakfast, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher. That’s about it. Let’s hope the weather doesn’t wind up turning on us, and cutting power off or something. As long as that doesn’t happen, I’m good with a day off, hanging out with my babies.

I’ve never been one to ask for help
If I need a mountain moved, I move it myself
I ain’t the church pew regular, twice on Sunday
Quote you the scripture kind
I’m far from a preacher
But I’m a believer

‘Cause every single day, before I knew your name
I couldn’t see your face, but I prayed for you
Every heartbreak trail when all hope failed
On the highway to hell, I prayed for you
I kept my faith like that old King James
Said I’m supposed to
It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom
I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you

For someone to love me like you do
Graceful eyes to see me through
A smile that steals me, a heart that heals me
A touch that kills me too
Baby you’re perfect, I guess the good Lord heard it

Listening to music, and this song came on. It makes me think of Adam. It also makes me think of Jackie, with Justin. I truly hope that she can let him “in”, because he is the best man I’ve ever seen her with. There’s no question about that. I’ve had many conversations with her about “self sabotage”. I can see her doing it. I’ve been calling her out on it, though. I’m not saying she has to marry Justin, just because we like him. I would hate for her to throw him away, with absolutely NO good reason to do so. I swear, so many people just can’t understand how much work and dedication relationships actually take. Nobody’s perfect! It’s about finding the one who can give you all the things you need. You can’t build trust and security overnight. You can’t expect someone to always know how to do things the right way, for you, either. Learn from one another. Teach each other. Grow together. That’s what makes a relationship work.

I didn’t even get to have Valentine’s Day sex, last night… These antibiotics are messing with my “self cleaning oven” (vagina). I had to get some other medicine to fix that, now. Adam and I still talked, laughed, and snuggled together. He left me the sweetest note, on Valentine’s Day. I found it on the kitchen counter. I would certainly not call Adam a “romantic” type of guy. He doesn’t typically do big, over the top, gestures of love. What he does do, is consistently be here for me. He always comes home. He always works hard for us. He never leaves me alone to figure out a problem or challenge. He knows that I buy the things I need and want, and he’s fine with it. If I mention something I’d like, he doesn’t care to make me wait for a birthday or holiday. He tells me to go get it. I’d rather have this guy, every single day, than a big bouquet of roses, or a diamond necklace, because it’s Valentine’s Day. He has randomly brought home flowers, for no particular reason. He brings me home my favorite candy bar, sometimes. Just because. Just because he thought of me. I love getting a thoughtful candy bar, on some random Tuesday, simply because he was thinking of me. His note, yesterday morning, meant more to me than any gift money could buy.

This morning, I watched the sunrise from my kitchen window. I enjoyed my coffee, and soaked in a moment of quiet, before I woke up the kids for school. It was mid 60s out, by 6:00am. The birds were singing. I opened the deck door and some windows. It’s mid 70s out now. There’s a cold front coming in late tonight, and bringing rain and thunderstorms along with it. I’m just making the most of this beautiful day. I pulled some weeds and dead flowers from my front flower beds, and around the mailbox. I played fetch with our dogs. I had swept and mopped the kitchen, yesterday, but Jackie’s one year old niece was here. I gave her one of the cookies I’d baked. Naturally, crumbs were everywhere. So, I’m going to sweep and mop again. I need to make the pasta salad that we’re going to have with supper. I was going to make it this weekend, but ended up making mac and cheese, instead. Adam’s grilling us chicken, with Sweet Baby Rays wing sauce. That’s my very favorite! I’m going to also make my chili potatoes. I just slice some potatoes and spread them in a casserole dish. Mix with a lot of butter, chopped onion, and chili powder. Everybody here really likes them.

I guess that’s about all I have, for today! I’m going to get back to enjoying this perfect Spring-like day. 😊